Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is likely to approve an investment of £68m for adult skills training over the next 12 months. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool city region is set to invest £68m in adult training over the next 12 months funding colleges, skills bootcamps and free courses.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram says this funding will ensure that residents can access high-quality training opportunities, tackling skills shortages and meeting the needs of local employers in Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton.
Among the recommendations going to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on Friday (March 7) are:
- £52m to support further education colleges, councils, and independent training providers across the region.
- £12.3m for skills bootcamps – a rise of £1.3m – to support short, intensive courses that lead directly to jobs.
- £3.6m to fund free courses for Jobs, helping adults gain Level 3 (A-level equivalent) qualifications.
- New powers secured to fund and design technical qualifications based on local employer needs, ensuring the region’s workforce is fit for the future.
Mr Rotheram said: “When I left school at 16, there weren’t many opportunities for working-class kids like me. I know that for too many people in our region, it’s still the same today.
“That’s why we’re taking action – not just talking about improving skills but investing millions of pounds to make it happen.
“This funding means thousands more people will have the chance to gain qualifications, access better-paid jobs, and secure a brighter future for themselves and their families.”
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In the last year alone, the Adult Skills Fund supported 37,680 learners – the highest number since devolution began – with 75% from disadvantaged areas.
Despite a £1.8m reduction in central funding, the Combined Authority has protected allocations to local councils and colleges, ensuring that training providers can continue to deliver for learners.
On March 7, the Combined Authority will meet to approve the funding and formally vote to accept new powers over Level 3 technical qualifications for adults.